Clamp assembly for scope and camera phone mount for a weapon

ABSTRACT

A clamp assembly for a scope and camera phone mount is disclosed. In particular, a clamp assembly for a camera phone attachment to a scope of a weapon is provided including a spacer block having a first end coupleable to a camera phone mount and having a recess with first and second flanges that engage a portion of the camera phone mount. The second end of the spacer block has a recess which receives a portion of a weapon scope. A scope securing member is coupled to the spacer block on a first end of the scope securing member by a tongue and groove assembly and on a second end by a thumb screw. The scope securing member receives a portion of the weapon scope.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority as a continuation-in-part applicationto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/179,972 filed Feb. 13, 2014,entitled CAMERA PHONE MOUNT FOR A WEAPON SCOPE, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,839 filed Mar. 1,2013, entitled CAMERA PHONE MOUNT FOR A WEAPON SCOPE, now U.S. Pat. No.8,690,460, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/606,093, filed Mar. 2, 2012, entitled CAMERA PHONE MOUNT FOR WEAPONS,the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mounting system for a device having ascope. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mounting adevice and associated system for mounting a camera or video recorder toa weapon having a scope.

BACKGROUND

Many hunters desire to take photographs or record videos activatesduring their hunts. Unfortunately, taking photographs or recordingsduring the actual hunt can be difficult. One option is to have a secondperson accompany the hunter for the purpose of taking photographs orrecordings of the hunt. However, this is often not practicable, ashunters typically perform a hunt by themselves. In addition, somehunters may not have a second individual who is willing or able toaccompany the hunter to take photographs or recordings. While a huntermay hire a person to photograph or record video of the hunt, manyhunters will not incur the expense.

Similarly, other users of firearms, weapons, training weapons, ormarkers, including military personnel, military trainers, or paintballplayers, who desire to take photographs or record videos of activitiesinvolving the respective firearm, weapon, or marker face similardifficulties as hunters.

Some devices are known which attach a photo camera or video camera tothe firearm, gun, marker, or weapon. However, these devices typicallyrequire the attachment of a bulky camera or video recorder to theweapon. This can interfere with the operation, use, and feel of thefirearm, gun, marker, or weapon.

Accordingly, what is needed is a device which will take photographs orvideo, can easily mount to a firearm, weapon, or marker, which is notbulky or cumbersome, which will not affect the feel or operation of thefirearm, weapon, or marker, and which will not interfere with the use ofthe firearm, weapon, or marker.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides an improved attachment assembly to allowfor a camera or video camera to be attached to the scope of a weapon.More specifically, the present invention provides an improved attachmentassembly for the selective attachment of a phone device incorporating acamera and/or video camera to the scope of a weapon. The attachmentassembly allows a user to select a desired position of the camera phoneto view either through the weapon scope or alongside the weapon scope.

A camera phone attachment assembly for attaching a camera phone to ascope of a weapon is provided. The camera phone attachment assemblyincludes a camera phone mount having at least one camera phone clamp forthe selective retention of a camera phone in the camera phone mount, thecamera phone mount rotatably and slidably coupled to a mount bracket. Ascope mount assembly is coupled to a portion of a weapon scope, thescope mount assembly being slidably received by a portion of the mountbracket, wherein the camera phone mount is rotatable between a firstposition and a second position, wherein the first position has a cameralens of the camera phone in alignment the view through the scope, andthe second position has the camera lens of the camera phone outside ofalignment from the view through the scope.

A camera phone attachment assembly for attaching a camera phone to aweapon scope is also provided. The camera phone attachment assemblyincludes a camera phone mount rotatably coupled to a first member of amount bracket to allow the camera phone mount to rotate between at leasta first position and a second position, the first position aligning alens of a camera provided in a camera phone with the view providedthrough a weapon scope, and the second position aligning the lens of thecamera provided in the camera phone outside of the view provided throughthe weapon scope, the first member of the mount bracket includes anelongated aperture, the camera phone mount slidably connected to theelongated aperture to allow the camera phone mount to selectively slidein a first axis along the elongated aperture. A second member of themount bracket is connected to the first member of the mount bracket, thesecond member being perpendicular to the first member, the second memberbeing perpendicular to the elongated aperture. A scope mount clampassembly is also provided and which engages to a portion of the weaponscope, the scope mount clamp assembly including a mounting portion whichengages a portion of the second member of the mount bracket, the secondmember extending in a second axis parallel to the scope andperpendicular to the first axis.

A clamp assembly for a scope and camera phone mount is also disclosed.In particular, a clamp assembly for a camera phone attachment to a scopeof a weapon is provided including a spacer block having a first endcoupleable to a camera phone mount and having a recess with first andsecond flanges that engage a portion of the camera phone mount. Thesecond end of the spacer block has a recess which receives a portion ofa weapon scope. A scope securing member is coupled to the spacer blockon a first end of the scope securing member by a tongue and grooveassembly and on a second end by a thumb screw. The scope securing memberreceives a portion of the weapon scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one or more examples of embodiments of acamera phone attachment assembly.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the camera phone attachment assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the camera phone bracket of the universalcamera phone mount shown in the camera phone attachment assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is a top down view of the camera phone bracket of the universalcamera phone mount of FIG. 3, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the camera phone bracket of the universalcamera phone mount of FIG. 3, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a first side of an indexing washer foruse in the rotating assembly of the universal camera phone mount of FIG.3.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a second side of an indexing washer foruse in the rotating assembly of the universal camera phone mount of FIG.3.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the camera phone clamp of the universalcamera phone mount shown in the camera phone attachment assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the camera phone clamp of the universal cameraphone mount of FIG. 8, taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a mount bracket of the camera phoneattachment assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a top down view of the mount bracket of FIG. 10, taken alongline 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an example of an embodiment of cameraphone attachment assembly having an alternative example of an embodimentof a rotating assembly in accordance with the disclosure providedherein.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the camera phone attachment assembly ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a close up view of the universal phone mount and associatedalternative example of an embodiment of a rotating assembly of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of one of more examples of embodiments of acamera phone attachment assembly illustrating adjustability in threedimensions.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of one of more examples of embodiments of acamera phone attachment assembly of FIG. 15, taken along line 16-16 ofFIG. 15, illustrating adjustability in three dimensions.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of one of more examples of embodiments of acamera phone attachment assembly having a camera phone attached theretoand illustrating the camera phone provided in a first position whereinthe camera is aligned with a weapon scope.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of one of more examples of embodiments of acamera phone attachment assembly having a camera phone attached theretoand illustrating the camera phone provided in a second positionperpendicular to the first position, wherein the camera is not alignedwith a weapon scope.

FIG. 19 illustrates an end view of one or more examples of alternativeembodiments of scope mount clamp assemblies for use with a camera phoneattachment assembly disclosed herein.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top elevation view of one or more examples ofalternative embodiments of scope mount clamp assemblies coupled to acamera phone mount as described herein.

FIG. 21 illustrates a partial perspective view of one or more examplesof the scope mount clamp assemblies shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 illustrates a partial perspective view of one or more examplesof the scope mount clamp assemblies shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 illustrates a partial perspective view of one or more examplesof the scope mount clamp assemblies shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of one or more examples of thescope mount clamp assemblies shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention illustrated in the Figures and disclosed herein isgenerally directed to a camera phone attachment assembly 100 whichattaches to a weapon scope 300. It should be appreciated that theFigures provided herein are for illustration and are not to scale.

It should be appreciated that the term “camera phone” is directed toinclude commercially available phones, such as smart phones, whichincorporate cameras able to take still photographs and/or digital video,including but not limited to, an Apple iPhone, a Samsung Galaxy, aMotorola Droid, or other Apple OS, Android OS, or like device. Inaddition, the term “camera phone” may also include similar devicesincorporating cameras able to take still photographs and/or digitalvideo, but which do not incorporate phones, for example, but not limitedto, an Apple iPod Touch.

It should be appreciated that the term “weapon” is directed to include afirearm, gun, paintball marker, crossbow, bow, a simulated gun, aspotting scope, a pellet gun, bb guns, laser gun (i.e. for laser tag orfor military exercises), or any other device which may incorporate orinclude a telescopic sight or scope.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1 illustrates one or more examples ofembodiments of a camera phone attachment assembly 100. Camera phoneattachment assembly may include a universal camera phone mount 110slidably coupled to a mount bracket 120. Mount bracket 120 may beslidably received by a scope mount clamp assembly 130.

Referring to FIG. 2, universal camera phone mount 110 may include acamera phone bracket 160. Opposing first and second camera phone clamps170 a, 170 b may be removably and slidably connecting to camera phonebracket 160. The combination of the opposing first and second cameraphone clamps 170 a, 170 b being slidably connected to camera phonebracket 160 provides for adjustability of the first and second cameraphone clamps 170 a, 170 b, such that different sized camera phones maybe retained by universal camera phone mount 110. This allows theuniversal camera phone mount 110 to retain almost any length, width, orthickness camera phone.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, camera phone bracket 160 is illustrated.Camera phone bracket 160 may include a first planar portion 162 and asecond planar portion 164. The surfaces of first and second planarportions 162, 164 are provided in the same plane. A compression pad 161may be provided over a portion of the planar surface of first and secondplanar portions 162, 164. A depression portion 163 separates first andsecond planar portions 162, 164. Depression portion 163 has a depth Dwhich correlates with a thickness T of first and second camera phoneclamps 170 a, 170 b (shown in FIG. 9). Specifically, depression portion163 is adapted to receive a retention portion 172 of opposing first andsecond camera phone clamps 170 a, 170 b. When received, the L-shapedretention portions 172 of opposing first and second camera phone clamps170 a, 170 b interconnect, forming a continuous plane between the firstsecond planar portion 162, the first and second camera phone clamps 170a, 170 b, and the second planar portion 164 (see FIG. 16). A lip 165 isprovided at an end of second planar portion 164. Lip 165 is preferablytransverse or perpendicular to second planar portion 164. Camera phoneclamp retention apertures 166 a, 166 b may be provided through cameraphone bracket 160, and more specifically through depression portion 163.Referring back to FIG. 2, apertures 166 a, 166 b may respectivelyreceive thumb screws 167 a, 167 b. Upon passage through apertures 166 a,166 b, each thumb screw 167 a, 167 b passes through an elongated slot174 a, 174 b of the respective first and second camera phone clamps 170a, 170 b. Thumb screws 167 a, 167 b then each engage and is received byan associated tab base nut 168 a, 168 b. Tab base nuts 168 a, 168 b havea base with a radius greater than the opening of slots 174 a, 174 b.This allows the combination of thumb screws 167 a, 167 b and tab basenuts 168 a, 168 b to selectively retain first and second camera phoneclamps 170 a, 170 b in camera phone bracket 160.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, first and second camera phone clamps 170 a,170 b are illustrated. First and second camera phone clamps 170 a, 170 bare identical in shape and components. For use in engagement with cameraphone bracket 160, first camera phone clamp 170 a is merely rotated onehundred and eighty (180) degrees to second camera phone clamp 170 b.Camera phone clamp 170 may include retention portion 172. Retentionportion 172 is a substantially planar member having an “L-shape.” Anelongated slot 174 is provided through retention portion 172. Angledmember 173 is coupled to retention portion 172. Angled member 173 mayinclude a first portion 175 and a second portion 176. First portion 175is provided perpendicular to retention portion 172, while second portion176 is provided at an angle θ to first portion 175. Preferably, angle θis an obtuse angle or an angle greater than ninety degrees. Secondportion 176 extends from first portion 175 toward retention portion 172.This is to assist in the retention of a camera phone when phone clamps170 are engaged with camera phone bracket 160, as the second portions176 of opposing first and second camera phone clamps 170 a, 170 b willextend towards each other. In effect, the distance between secondportions 176 of opposing first and second camera phone clamps 170 a, 170b will be less than the distance between first portions 175 of opposingfirst and second camera phone clamps 170 a, 170 b.

Referring back to FIG. 1, universal camera phone mount 110 may alsoinclude a rotating assembly or rotating hub assembly 112 for theselective rotation of universal camera phone mount 110. As illustratedin FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, rotating assembly 112 may include a hub 113provided on camera phone bracket 160. Preferably, hub 113 is provided onthe side of camera phone bracket 160 opposite planar portions 162, 164.Hub 113 may include a hub aperture 114 and include a plurality ofdepressions or lowered portions 115 provided around the perimeter of hubaperture 114. Lowered portions 115 may be separated by unloweredportions 116, such that the lowered and unlowered portions 115, 116alternate around the perimeter of hub aperture 114. A rivet nut 117 maybe received and retained by hub aperture 114. A shoulder bolt 119 matesand is received by rivet nut 117. Shoulder bolt 119 may first bereceived by washers 111 and an indexing washer 118. As illustrated inFIG. 1, shoulder bolt 119 may be received by washer 111 b, an elongatedslot 124 provided in the mount bracket 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), springwasher 111 a, and indexing washer 118 before engagement with rivet nut117. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, indexing washer 118 preferably has aplurality of raised portions 142 on a first side 143 provided about theperimeter of a central hole 145 which corresponds to and mates with thelowered portions 115 provided on hub 113. In addition, indexing washer118 may include a plurality of raised members 141 provided on a secondside 144. The raised members 141 are received in elongated slot 124provided in the mount bracket 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Accordingly, theengagement of the raised members 141 of the indexing washer 118 in theelongated slot 124 maintains the indexing washer 118 in a singleposition. However, hub 113 may rotate about indexing washer 118,enabling the attached universal camera phone mount 110 to rotate aboutindexing washer 118 and mount bracket 120 to a variety of positions.Preferably, hub 113 may ratchet or click or index while rotating aboutindexing washer 118, as the plurality of raised portions 142 on thefirst side 143 of indexing washer 118 will engage different and separatelowered portions 115 of hub 113. This allows for selective rotation ofuniversal camera phone mount 110 about hub 113, while also assisting inthe retention of the preset position of the hub 113, and associatedcamera phone bracket 160 in relation to the indexing washer 118.Universal camera phone mount 110 may be rotated about hub 113 to aplurality of positions. The plurality of positions may be dependent uponthe number of lowered portions 115 provided around the perimeter of hubaperture 114 and which selectively receive raised members 141 ofindexing washer 118.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the mount bracket 120. Mount bracket 120 mayinclude a first elongated member 121 coupled to a second elongatedmember 122. Second elongated member 122 may be coupled to thirdelongated member 123. Elongated slot 124 may be provided through thirdelongated member 123. Generally, first elongated member 121 and thirdelongated member 123 are provided at a right angle or are orthogonal toone another. Second elongated member 122 provides a gradual offsetbetween first and third elongated members 121, 123. A first angle Δ₁ maybe formed between first and second elongated members 121, 122. Firstangle Δ₁ may be obtuse or greater than ninety degrees. A second angle Δ₂may be formed between second and third elongated members 122, 123.Second angle Δ₂ may be obtuse or greater than ninety degrees.

Scope mount clamp assembly 130 may include at least one clamp 132. Mountbracket 120 is slidably received by one or more clamps 132 of scopemount clamp assembly 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, scope mountclamp assembly 130 may include a plurality of clamps 132. Morespecifically, scope mount clamp assembly 130 may include two clamps 132.Clamps 132 of scope mount clamp assembly 130 are substantiallyidentical. Each clamp 132 defines a passage or orifice 134 adapted toreceive a portion of a scope. Each clamp 132 includes opposing first andsecond portions 135, 136. First and second portions 135, 136 have aportion which is arcuate in shape and defines approximately half ofpassage 134. First and second portions 135, 136 are coupled together byat least one connection member 137. Connection members 137 are removableto enable the first and second portions 135, 136 to be separated andsubsequently positioned about the outer perimeter of a portion of ascope. Once positioned about the outer perimeter of a portion of thescope, connection members 137 may be reinserted into first and secondportions 135, 136 such that portions 135, 136 are reconnected together,allowing each clamp 132 to engage a portion of the scope. In one or moreexamples of embodiments, each clamp 132 may be provided on any suitableor desired location of a scope. In addition, in one or more examples ofembodiments, each clamp 132 may be provided at any desired proximity toanother clamp 132, for example adjacent such that a portion ofconsecutive clamps 132 is in contact with one another. In one or moreexamples of embodiments, connection members 137 may be a screw, bolt, orany other suitable connection device suitable for temporarily connectingfirst and second portions 135, 136.

Each clamp 132 may include a mounting portion 138 having opposing firstand second teeth 139 a, 139 b. Opposing first and second teeth 139 a,139 b may receive a portion of mount bracket 120. More specifically,opposing first and second teeth 139 a, 139 b may form a compressionfitting to engage a portion of mount bracket 120. As illustrated, eachclamp 132 includes a mounting screw 140 which interconnects first andsecond teeth 139 a, 139 b. Mounting screw 140 may be rotated a firstdirection to tighten screw 140, drawing first and second teeth 139 a,139 b towards each other, or rotated in a second direction opposite thefirst direction to loosed screw 140, allowing first and second teeth 139a, 139 b to move away from each other. It should be appreciated thatsecond tooth 139 b may be removable from clamp 132, while first tooth139 a may be integrally formed with clamp 132.

An alternative embodiment of the camera phone attachment assembly 100having a rotating assembly 212 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. Thealternative embodiment of the camera phone attachment assembly 100having a rotating assembly 212 includes features which are substantiallyas described herein in association with camera phone attachment assembly100. Operation and particular components described herein aresubstantially the same and like numbers have been used to illustrate thelike components. Referring to FIGS. 12-14, in this embodiment, thecamera phone attachment assembly 100 includes rotating assembly 212.Rotating assembly 212 includes hub 213 provided on camera phone bracket160. Hub 213 includes a hub aperture 114 for receiving rivet nut 117. Athumb screw 167 c mates with and is received by rivet nut 117. Thumbscrew 167 c may first be received by elongated slot 124 provided inmount bracket 120. Referring to FIG. 14, hub 213 preferably includes aplurality of raised projections 242. More specifically, hub 213 mayinclude two raised projections 242. Raised projections 242 may belinearly spaced along a diameter of hub 213. In addition, raisedprojections 242 may be spaced in a plane parallel to first and secondplanar portions 162, 164 and perpendicular to lip 165. Raisedprojections 242 may be received by elongated slot 124. In addition,raised projections 242 have an inner distance ID, which extends betweenthe portions of the raised projections 242 closest to hub aperture 114.Inner distance ID has a length or distance which is greater than anouter height OH of third elongated member 123. This allows thirdelongated member 123 to be optionally received between raisedprojections 242, and more specifically between inner distance ID.Accordingly, camera phone bracket 160 may engage mount bracket 120 in afirst position such that raised projections 242 are received byelongated slot 124, or in a second position such that the outer heightOH of third elongated member 123 is received between raised projections242. In the second position, universal camera phone mount 110 ispreferably rotated ninety degrees or perpendicular to the position ofuniversal camera phone mount 110 in the first position. In addition,camera phone bracket 160 may engage mount bracket 120 in a thirdposition, which is ninety degrees or perpendicular to the secondposition, and in a fourth position which is ninety degrees orperpendicular to the third position. This allows selective alignment ofthe camera phone received by, attached, and/or retained by universalcamera phone mount 110 in relation to the weapon scope. To provideselective positioning of universal camera phone mount 110 betweenpositions, thumb screw 167 c may be loosened and removed from rivet nut117. Camera phone bracket 160 may be manually rotated about hub 213 tothe desired first, second, third, or fourth position as discussedherein. Thumb screw 167 c may then be tightened to engage rivet nut 117,selectively positioning universal camera phone mount 110 at the desiredposition.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, camera phone attachment assembly 100 hasadjustability in three separate dimensions to allow for the selectiveplacement of a camera phone which is attached to and retained byuniversal camera phone mount 110. Referring to FIG. 15, camera phoneattachment assembly 100 has adjustability in a first dimension or firstplane or a first axis or an x-axis 500. More specifically, universalcamera phone mount 110 may be moved along first axis 500 through theselective placement or lateral adjustability through elongated slot 124of mount bracket 120. Shoulder bolt 119 or thumb screw 167 c may beloosened from the associated hub 113, 213 of camera phone bracket 160.Universal camera phone mount 110 may then be moved or laterally slidalong elongated slot 124 in first axis 500. When positioned in a desiredlocation, shoulder bolt 119 or thumb screw 167 c may be tightened intothe associated hub 113, 213 of camera phone bracket 160, selectivelyplacing a camera phone retained by universal camera phone mount 110 inthe desired location in first axis 500.

Referring to FIG. 16, camera phone attachment assembly 100 hasadjustability in a second dimension or second plane or a second axis ora y-axis 510. More specifically, the phone clamps 170 a, 170 b may bemoved along second axis 510 through the selective placement or lateraladjustability of elongated slots 174 a, 174 b of each phone clamp 170 a,170 b. Thumb screws 167 a, 167 b may be loosened from the associated tabbase nut 168 a, 168 b of each phone clamps 170 a, 170 b. Each phoneclamps 170 a, 170 b may then be moved or laterally slid along oradjusted along each respective elongated slot 174 a, 174 b in secondaxis 510. When positioned in a desired location, thumb screws 167 a, 167b may be tightened into the associated tab base nut 168 a, 168 b of eachphone clamps 170 a, 170 b, selectively placing a camera phone retainedby universal camera phone mount 110 in the desired location in secondaxis 510.

Referring back to FIG. 15, camera phone attachment assembly 100 hasadjustability in a third dimension or third plane or a third axis or az-axis 520. More specifically, mount bracket 120 may be moved alongthird axis 520 through the selective placement or lateral adjustabilitythrough the mounting portions 138 of one or more clamps 132 of scopemount clamp assembly 130. Opposing first and second teeth 139 a, 139 bof each clamp 132 may be loosened by rotation of mounting screws 140.Mount bracket 120 may then be moved or laterally slid along third axis520. When positioned in a desired location, mounting screws 140 may betightened, pulling first and second teeth 139 a, 139 b together toselectively retain mount bracket 120, selectively placing mount bracket120 and a camera phone retained by universal camera phone mount 110 inthe desired location in third axis 520. It should be appreciated thatthird axis 520 is in a plane parallel to scope 300 and/or parallel tothe view provided through scope 300. In addition, third axis 520 is in aplane perpendicular to one or more lenses (not shown) provided in scope300. Second axis 510 is provided perpendicular to third axis 520.Similarly, first axis 500 is provided perpendicular to second axis 510,and first axis 500 is provided perpendicular to third axis 520.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrated one or more examples of embodiments ofcamera phone attachment assembly 100 connected to a weapon scope 300 andretaining a camera phone 400 connected to universal camera phone mount110. Referring to FIG. 16, the camera phone 400 is provided in a firstposition 600, wherein a camera lens provided on the camera phone 400 isin alignment with scope 300, such that camera phone 400 may take stillphotographs and/or video of the items viewed through scope 300.Referring to FIG. 17, the camera phone 400 is provided in a secondposition 610, wherein a camera lens provided on the camera phone 400 isnot in alignment with scope 300. As illustrated, camera phone 400 in thesecond position 610 is approximately perpendicular or has been rotatedninety degrees in relation to the first position 600. The rotation hasoccurred through the selective rotation of universal camera phone mount110 through rotating assembly 112, 212 in accordance with the disclosureprovided herein. In the second position, camera phone 400 may takephotographs or video of a broader landscape of activities occurring downrange from scope 300. It should be appreciated in one or more examplesof embodiments, that camera phone 400 and associated universal cameraphone mount 110 may be rotated about rotating assembly 112, 212 in morethan two positions. For example, universal camera phone mount 110 may berotated in any number of suitable positions about rotating assembly 112,212 in accordance with the disclosure provided herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates one or more examples of alternative embodiments ofscope mount clamp assemblies 230, 330, 430. As illustrated, scope mountclamp assembly 230 may include clamp 132 having first and secondportions 135, 136. Scope mount clamp assembly 230 may include a firstmounting portion 138 for the selective engagement with a portion ofmount bracket 120, and a second mounting portion 238 for the selectiveengagement with a portion of an associated weapon. Second mountingportion 238 may be substantially the same as first mounting portion 138,however positioned such that the opposing first and second teeth 139 a,139 b of the first and second mounting portions 138, 238 areperpendicular to each other.

Scope mount clamp assembly 330 may include second mounting portion 238for the selective engagement with a portion of an associated weapon, anda third mounting portion 338 for the selective engagement with a portionof mount bracket 120. Third mounting portion 338 may define a passage339 for slidably receiving a portion of mount bracket 120. Once insertedinto passage 339, a mounting screw 340 may be tightened into passage 339and against a portion of mount bracket 120 to assist in retaining mountbracket 120 within passage 339. In one or more examples of embodiments,passage 339 may have a cross-sectional shape of trapezoidal,rectangular, circular, or any suitable or desired shape applicable forthe selective retention of mount bracket 120.

Scope mount clamp assembly 430 may include only third mounting portion338 for the selective engagement with a portion of mount bracket 120.

It should be appreciated that scope mount clamp assemblies 230, 330advantageously eliminate additional mount for mounting a scope to aweapon. As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, separate mounts are necessaryto mount scope 300 to a weapon and to mount camera phone attachmentassembly 100 to scope 300. Scope mount clamp assemblies 230, 330advantageously combine attachment of scope 300 to a weapon and mountcamera phone attachment assembly 100 to scope 300.

Referring to FIGS. 20-24, a further alternative example of embodimentsof a clamp assembly 530 for a scope mount and camera phone mount isillustrated. As can be seen, the scope may be mounted to a weapon aspreviously described. Clamp(s) 530 in the illustrated embodiment areused to couple the scope 300 and camera phone mount 100.

In the illustrated example, clamp 530 includes first and second portions532, 548 formed by a spacer block 532 and scope securing member 548. Aspreviously described, a plurality of clamps or mounting brackets may beused with a weapon. Each clamp 530 spacer block 532 has a camera phonemount coupling or mounting portion 534 at an end 535 thereof. Coupling534 is formed of a recessed area with two integral flanges 534 a, 534 bsimilar in shape to first and second teeth 139 a, 139 b, and forming ashape which mates with a portion of camera phone mount bracket 120, andin particular elongated member 121. Extending at an angle from an upperportion 536 of the clamp 530 is a threaded throughbore 538 whichreceives a mounting screw or thumb screw 540. In the illustratedembodiment, the throughbore 538 and thumb screw 540 are positioned at anangle which is perpendicular to a surface of the elongated member 121.The thumb screw 540 extends into and through the throughbore 538 and maybe removably pressed against the elongated member 121 so as tofrictionally engage or press against the elongated member 121 and retainthe clamp 530 in position. At a second end 542 of the spacer block 532is an approximate semi-circular recess 544 sized to receive a portion ofthe scope 300. The second end 542 also includes a threaded receptorengaged by an end of an additional mounting screw or thumb screw 546.While specific examples are provided above, variations thereon, such asbut not limited to variation in angle or position or shape, may beemployed consistent with the purposes of the present invention.

Coupled to the second end 542 is the second portion or scope securingmember 548 of the clamp assembly 530. The scope securing member 548 isformed by or includes an approximate semi-circular recess 550 which issized to receive a portion of the scope 300. The combination of thescope securing member 548 and spacer block 532 recesses 544, 550 formsan aperture which holds the scope 300. The scope securing member 548also includes an aperture, which may be a threaded aperture 552, throughwhich the thumb screw 546 is inserted. The aperture 552 is aligned withthe threaded receptor on the spacer block end such that the thumb screw546 engages both the spacer block 532 and the scope securing member 548and removably locks the scope 300 to the clamp 530. The scope securingmember 548 also includes an end 554 with a tongue 556 or a groove 558which mates with a corresponding tongue or groove to secure one end ofthe scope securing member 548 to the spacer block 532 without aseparated fastening device. While specific examples are provided above,variations thereon, such as but not limited to variation in angle orposition or shape, may be employed consistent with the purposes of thepresent invention.

Clamp 530 may be formed of any suitable material by now known or futuredeveloped means. For example, the clamp 530 elements may be formed ofplastic, metal, and combinations of the foregoing through molding orextrusion. Preferably, clamp 530 is formed of a rigid durable materialsuitable for use with a weapon.

To attach a clamp 530, the clamp is positioned on mounting bracket 120elongated member 121 by inserting the member 121 into the openingbetween the flanges 534 a and 534 b of the camera coupling 534 on thespacer block 532. The spacer block is rotated into position such that anedge of the elongated member 121 is positioned flush against an interiorwall of the recess formed in the camera coupling. Once the spacer blockis slid into a suitable position on the elongated member 121 (or theelongated member is moved to a suitable position on the clamp 530), thethumb screw 540 is then rotated to tighten against the elongated memberand secure same in position against movement in the clamp.

The scope 300 is inserted into the recess 544 of the spacer block 532.The scope securing member end 554 with the tongue and groove coupling556, 558 is mated with the corresponding coupling on the spacer blockand the member 548 is moved into position with the recess 550surrounding a portion of the scope. The thumb screw 546 is thentightened to secure the member 548 in place and likewise secure thescope 300 in place. The same action may be employed for each clamp.While specific examples are provided, variations thereon, such as butnot limited to variation in the steps or order of steps, may be employedconsistent with the purposes of the present invention.

There are several advantages to the camera phone attachment assemblywhich attaches to a weapon scope disclosed herein. For example, a usermay selectively take photos and/or video of the activities occurringthrough a scope and/or the activities occurring outside of the scope.Thus a user may take photographs or videos of the magnified view througha scope or a broader, landscape view of the activities occurring aroundwhat is just magnified through the scope. In addition, the universalcamera phone mount is adjustable to connect and retain different typesof camera phones, allowing one camera phone attachment assembly to servea number of camera phones. In addition, a user of the camera phoneattachment assembly can position the camera phone to view through thescope, allowing the user to view the contents of through the scope on ascreen provided on the camera phone. This allows a user who may havephysical restrictions in which the user can not properly use a scopealone, to actually use a scope by viewing the screen of the cameraphone. In addition, certain users, like law enforcement or military, maywish to look around corners or obstructions without being placed inharm's way. These certain users may position the weapon and associatedscope in harm's way to view around the obstruction, and even dischargethe weapon. In addition, the camera phone attachment assembly enables acamera phone to be quickly removed from the camera phone bracket. Thecamera phone attachment assembly is also adjustable in three axis orplanes (i.e. X, Y, and Z axis) in order to allow for desired positioningand/or focus of the camera phone. The camera phone attachment assemblymay be made from plastic or aluminum thus is light in weight and doesnot affect the feel or operation of the weapon in which the camera phoneattachment assembly is attached. These and other advantages are realizedby the camera phone attachment assembly disclosed herein.

Although various representative examples of embodiments of thisinvention have been described above with a certain degree ofparticularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterationsto the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scopeof the inventive subject matter set forth in the specification andclaims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected) are tobe construed broadly and may include intermediate members between aconnection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such,joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements aredirectly connected and in fixed relation to each other. In someinstances, in methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein,various steps and operations are described in one possible order ofoperation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps andoperations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated withoutnecessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. It is intended that all matter contained in the abovedescription or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpretedas illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structuremay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamp assembly for a camera phone attachment toa scope of a weapon comprising: a spacer block having a first endcoupleable to a camera phone mount and having a recess with first andsecond flanges that engage a portion of the camera phone mount, and asecond end having a recess which receives a portion of a weapon scope;and a scope securing member coupled to the spacer block on a first endof the scope securing member by a tongue and groove assembly and on asecond end by a thumb screw, the scope securing member receiving aportion of the weapon scope.
 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising an additional thumb screw which secures the clamp to thecamera phone mount.
 3. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the cameraphone mount has at least one camera phone clamp for the selectiveretention of a camera phone in the camera phone mount, the camera phonemount being rotatably and slidably coupled to a mount bracket.
 4. Theclamp assembly of claim 3, wherein the camera phone mount is rotatablebetween a first position and a second position, wherein the firstposition has a camera lens of the camera phone in alignment the viewthrough the scope, and the second position has the camera lens of thecamera phone outside of alignment from the view through the scope. 5.The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the clamp assembly slidablyreceives a portion of the mount bracket.